Local 4-H members compete in state competitive trail ride

Three Monroe County 4-H horse club members and one leader competed in the annual 4-H State Competitive Trail Ride held near State College.

Three Monroe County 4-H horse club members and one leader competed in the annual 4-H State Competitive Trail Ride held near State College.

The objective of the competitive trail ride is to cover between 25 to 30 miles within an allotted time. For this ride the horses had 5 to 5 ½ hours to complete a 28.7 mile course. Ponies are allowed an additional 15 minutes due to their shorter stride.

If a team arrives more than 30 minutes late, it is disqualified from the competition.

In order to participate in this ride, 4-H'ers spend many hours conditioning their mount so that it is fit to trot over most of the trail in order to finish in time and remain in good condition at the end of the ride. The event teaches participants about the metabolic and mechanics of the equine and how to take the best care of the horse over the course's duration.

A veterinary exam is required at the halfway mark of the ride. Horses and ponies are required to meet a maximum pulse parameter of 60 beats per minute and a respiration rate of 48 breaths per minute. Those that exceed the limits after 10 minutes are eliminated from continuing. In addition, the attending veterinarians watch the mount trot to determine if it is sound to continue. At the end of the course, veterinarians and judges perform a comprehensive exam to determine a score.

The riders are judged against themselves with the emphasis on maintaining the highest care of their animal.

Michele Gannon, riding an Arabian named Rudy, earned second place in Horsemanship (how the 4-H'ers handle and cares for their horse, grooming and sportsmanship). Gannon also placed fourth in the Junior Riders Division. Kelly Corcoran, riding an Arabian named Sammie, won third place in the Senior Riders Division. Holly Corcoran, leader of Blue Ribbon Riders, rode her Arabian Tora to a fifth-place finish in the Adult Division. Sara Gannon, riding Joey, a Morgan cross pony, also competed in the trail ride. There were 48 horses and ponies competing in the ride.

For additional information on the trail ride or 4-H, call (570) 421-6430.